RUST AS A WITNESS (James 5:3)

As the holiday season approaches it seems like a wonderful opportunity to examine our level of giving to the Lord.  Now I know that some people do not like to hear lessons on giving, but I would be remiss in my duty to the Lord's Church if I did not preach the "whole counsel of God." V.P. Black's book, Rust As A Witness, comments on some who would say, "I get so tired of hearing sermons on giving." If these people told the truth about giving, it would be about like this: "I am too selfish to give." "I am too extravagant with my money to be able to give."  "I spend so much foolishly that I don't have any to give."  "I love luxuries more than I love the Lord."  "I am keeping my money for pleasure and fun."  "After I get everything in the world that I want, if any is left, I will give the Lord a little of that." (Rust As A Witness, p. 3)

There would certainly be some that would think that these are harsh words, but they may very well describe some of the reasons that some do not give as they should.  At the very heart of lackluster, minimal, giving, is an unwillingness to sacrifice for the Lord's sake. I have even heard it said that, "sometimes when we preach on giving, the contribution goes down."  Knowing that, ["Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)], God is pleased when we give to Him with pure motives, why would one of His loving, faithful, children hold back from God what he had purposed in his heart to do?  Does the person who holds back his offering do so because he loves God? Maybe he does so to spite the Elders or the preacher, but it is God who he must reckon with.

During the month of November, I will be delivering some lessons on this timely and Biblical subject, with nothing but love in mind and that we all have a proper knowledge and understanding of God's Word on this most important subject.

Paul